Belleville West teacher Bob Flake praised, at memorial service, for his dedication to others
The former superintendent for Belleville High School District 201 shared a story on Saturday that crystallized the talents and spirit of the late Belleville West teacher and coach Bob Flake.
Jeff Dosier was one of the speakers during the memorial service conducted at the high school on Saturday for Flake, who died on Dec. 30.
Dosier said he met a young man on Saturday who had been expelled from school but told him how he was still supported by Flake even after he had left the school.
“He told me that Bob stayed in touch with him after he was expelled,” Dosier said. “He stayed on him to get an associate’s degree and go onto college.”
“Bob may have saved that young man’s life,” said Dosier, who then paused to regain his voice.
“He was so good at reaching the ones that were so difficult to reach,” Dosier said.
“He was especially skilled as an instructor and gifted as a leader, graceful, passionate and charismatic in everything he did.”
Flake’s survivors include his wife, Angela; his son, Robert E. Flake Jr.; and his daughter, Victoria. He was 40. The Kurrus Funeral Home website has a link to a video of Saturday’s memorial service.
Flake was the department head for the Belleville West science department in recent years, and he previously had served on the football coaching staff. He was hired at Belleville West in 2006 and he taught biology and veterinary science classes.
Flake’s father, Bob Flake, was one of the speakers during the memorial service and encouraged the audience to follow his son’s character.
“If you knew Coach Bob Flake, you knew of his smile and his laughter because, by God, it was contagious. Emulate his sense of humor.”
Bryan Edgar, a teacher at Belleville West and longtime friend of Flake, praised his colleague for his dedication to his school and family.
“Bob was one of the most respected men I’ve ever had the privilege to know,” Edgar said.
“Everyone loved being around because he was always so positive and encouraging.”
Edgar had just graduated from college and was serving as an offensive-line and linebackers coach when he first remembered working with Flake at Belleville West.
“Right from the get-go I knew he was different from anyone I had ever met on the football field,” Edgar said.
“He was so happy and positive and the kids loved him. He often would say to the kids, ‘What’s the most dangerous team?’ and they’d yell back, ‘The team that loves each other.’
“He had a way of making kids believe in themselves,” Edgar said. “He had kids ready to run through walls for him.”
This story was originally published January 9, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
